Lake City Celebrates Groundbreaking for Sweetwater Apartments – Phase II: A Milestone for Affordable Housing
- Devin Vehrs
- Jun 6
- 3 min read
Lake City, FL | June 3, 2025 — A historic milestone unfolded in Lake City as Birdsong Housing Partners, ReVital Development Group, and the Greater Lake City Community Development Corporation (CDC) broke ground on Sweetwater Apartments – Phase II. With nearly 60 community members in attendance, the ceremony celebrated the first new multifamily affordable housing development in Lake City in over 20 years, bringing vital homes to low-to-moderate-income families.
The 3.23-acre site on Northeast Davis Avenue will soon transform into 48 hurricane-resilient, energy-efficient apartments, designed for households earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI), with select units reserved for those at 30% and 40% AMI. The development offers 24 one-bedroom/one-bath and 24 two-bedroom/two-bath units, with rents ranging from $400 to $1,000 based on income and unit size.
The groundbreaking was a deeply meaningful moment for Lester and Mary McKellum, Executive Directors of the Greater Lake City CDC. “We’ve waited nearly 40 years for this day,” they shared, reflecting on their 8 to 10 year effort to realize this project. Michael Allan, President of ReVital Development Group, praised the CDC’s dedication, stating, “They’ve shown incredible commitment to make this possible, especially for a smaller project like this.” Vahid Khorsandian of ReVital and Birdsong Housing’s leadership, including CEO Steve Auger, honored the McKellums with a commemorative shovel and plaque, underscoring their pivotal role.
Sweetwater Phase II is designed for resilience, meeting the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety’s (IBHS) FORTIFIED Multi-family Program standards. This is a rare designation in Florida. Supported by the Florida Housing Coalition and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the modern apartments will feature a clubhouse, fitness center, business center, outdoor patio, and an on-site manager. A 50-year Land Use Restrictive Agreement (LURA) and a 99-year ground lease ensure long-term affordability.
This $18 million project, funded through FHFC RFA 2023–201 with 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, PNC Bank equity and loans, and contributions from the City of Lake City and Columbia County, closed in March 2025. Construction is on track for completion by June 2026, with applications opening in early 2026 through PMI. A property website will launch soon.
As the first of three planned phases by the Greater Lake City CDC, Sweetwater Phase II is a beacon of hope, aligning with their mission to provide safe, affordable housing. Planning for Phase III, featuring 24 three-bedroom/two-bath units, is underway for a 2026 groundbreaking and 2027 completion.
About The Greater Lake City Community Development Corporation, Inc.
The Greater Lake City Community Development Corporation, Inc. (“CDC”) is a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization founded in 2002 in Lake City, Florida. The mission of CDC is to inspire
the community by developing opportunities that benefit low to moderate income individuals and families. CDC strives to enable a sense of pride in ownership and respect in the community. By building an outstanding reputation based on respect and trust, CDC has mutually beneficial relationships with the local governments at both the City and County level. CDC upholds the values of improving community through design, education, and mentoring.
About ReVital Development Group
ReVital Development Group is a real estate development firm whose mission is to preserve,
create and sustain high quality, safe and affordable housing that supports economic security and access to opportunity for all. Offering extensive knowledge of real estate finance combined with an expertise in multifamily development and value-add, Revital often works closely with
community stakeholders and partners with non-profit organizations, housing authorities and
local government agencies to deliver projects that seek to support community objectives, with an emphasis on neighborhood revitalization through affordable and workforce housing.
About Birdsong Housing Partners
Birdsong Housing Partners is a team with successful experience in the development and
construction of affordable housing communities of significant size and complexity. This
experience spans the affordable housing industry and includes housing for low-income families
and seniors, housing with supportive services for households at risk of homelessness, housing
for Farmworkers and their families, and Housing for Persons with Special Needs.
